cronyism

noun

Definition of cronyismnext
as in prejudice
disapproving the unfair practice by a powerful person (such as a politician) of giving jobs and other favors to friends The mayor has been accused of cronyism.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cronyism Last-minute maneuvers to force the hands of aldermen on what looks more like appointments of friends and allies than people with leadership potential is cronyism that is being supported by those the mayor chooses to surround himself with. — Nik Hunder, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026 The quick exit has led to a reckoning within South Korea's football world — fueled by intense anger over accusations of favoritism and cronyism involved in the appointment of coach Hong Myung-bo. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 16 July 2026 Lowering taxes on businesses across the board not only avoids the problems of cronyism and favoritism, but gives everyone a better chance to grow and succeed. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 14 July 2026 This is the wrong time for a baseball stadium — or anything that looks frivolous or smacks of cronyism. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cronyism
  1. prejudice
  2. bias
  3. nepotism
  4. favoritism
Noun
  • The Justice Department wanted to preserve the possibility of bringing the case again, but In his ruling Thursday, Judge Todd Edelman dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning Hearn cannot be charged again over the same allegations.
    — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The memo demanded that the charges be dismissed without prejudice—meaning that they could later be reinstated.
    — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of prejudice
Noun
  • Known for her mastery of the bias cut, Vionnet created clothing that mirrored the natural movement of the body, while her innovative approach to cut and construction marked a move away from the structured Edwardian fashions of the prewar period.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The biases also influenced decisions involving employment, investment and criminal behavior the models made at the researchers’ prompting.
    — Ashique KhudaBukhsh, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of bias
Noun
  • Recently, he’s been following the reaction to musician Stella Lefty, who has been subject to accusations of plagiarism and nepotism — some people going so far as to claim that her father, Eric Lefkofsky, was somehow an AI mastermind of her career.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
  • This system cross-referenced more than 150 government databases to catch embezzlement and nepotism by local officials.
    — Seva Gunitsky, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of nepotism
Noun
  • Rogers' campaign released a statement accusing the station of favoritism and suggesting the moderator had already taken sides.
    — Terrance Friday, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • In 2024, a Veolia North America subsidiary sued the City-Parish of Baton Rouge after losing a bid for its wastewater operations and management contract, alleging the procurement process was unfair, noncompliant and guided by favoritism.
    — Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of favoritism

Browse Nearby Words

crony
cronyism
crook
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Cite this Entry

“Cronyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cronyism. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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